U13's v Kirkby Lonsdale

The morning started with a degree of optimism due to the inclement weather. A likely mud bath or cancellation due to a flooded pitch maybe! The journey south was encouraging as we were met with a pleasant surprise south of Tebay, bone dry, but very windy. 17 players were available and all were present and correct on arrival at Kirkby Lonsdale.
Kirkby kicked off into a strong wind and Penrith quickly secured clean possession from the resulting ruck. The forwards were hungry to drive forward and after 4 minutes play, Ross Ridley (No4) gave us a taste of what was to come later in the match. Having gathered the ball from a ruck in Penrith’s half he went on a driving run, making a good 20 metres with several players either being handed off, or being dragged along for the ride. However, the referee cut it short, penalising the over exuberant use of the elbows. Kirkby’s tap and drive tested the pack’s resolve but they were equal to it. Although Penrith had the wind to their backs Kirkby were pressing hard playing most of the first 15 minutes in our half. On 16 minutes good hands by the Kirkby backs took them to the left of our posts, solid tackles from Louie Johnson (10) Joe Robinson (12) and Callum Harkes (13) and determined rucking recycled the ball in our favour. Callum Harkes gutsy tackling took its toll on his already weakened knee prompting Ed Smith on as replacement in the centre.
On 18 minutes, the writing seemed to be on the wall as Kirkby’s skilful No 10 took them forward again, this time to the right of the posts and close to the try line. A hard worked defensive ruck resulted in Hugh Burne (9) picking up the ball, but a pressing Kirkby were punished with a penalty as the ball was fumbled forward. Louie cleared to touch for a brief respite. Brodie Glendinning came on from the bench into the back row and immediately made an impact with solid tackling and shouts of encouragement. Penrith managed to venture into the oppositions half with some promising drives and sure handling. On 23 minutes Kirkby went on the march again, driven on by good rucking, our back line got sucked in on the 22 metre line. This left the blindside open for their number 10 to exploit and run in the first try of the match, 5 – 0. Kirkby missed the kickable conversion. Louie’s re-start was followed up with enthusiasm, immediately putting Kirkby under pressure. A Kirkby knock on put Penrith in a good attacking position. The ball was won and the drive towards the line was rewarded with a determined Brodie crashing over to the left of the posts. He followed up with a sweetly struck conversion, 5 – 7. The game was evenly balanced, but with the half going into injury time Kirkby went over on 32 minutes to leave the half time score at 10 – 7.
The second half was into the wind but slightly downhill for Penrith. Having got their second breath they started well, as they usually seem to do! With 5 minutes into the second half, Kirkby were defending a throw in on their 5 metre line. Ross rising to the challenge got both hands on the ball and maintained his momentum forwards towards the try line, with the defenders in tow! The supporting pack had little to do, but were in support if he fell short of the line. A great solo effort gave Penrith another five point boost, and the lead, 10 – 12. The missed conversion left the match on a knife edge as Kirkby’s rucking was getting stronger and our scrummage wasn’t functioning as well as the first half. Aiden Cavaghan (3) was off with an ankle injury. The team again in familiar territory without subs! Penrith tackles were still going in, too well at times…
The back line held firm and Isaac Pitchford (14) wasn’t to be out done by the opposition, he made some notable tackles and driving runs. Twenty minutes in, Penrith made headway with some surging runs and with the boot of Louie Johnson, territory. Louie’s support play and individual flare opened up the defence with a try between the posts, 10 – 17. Ed Smith’s boot was straight down the middle, 10 – 19. Penrith now had some breathing space and Aiden was patched up and ready to return to the fray. Poor Callum H, remaining a spectator for the rest of the match. Kirkby weren’t giving up and came back with a try three minutes later, 19 -15. Another missed conversion still only offered Penrith a four point buffer that could be easily turned over if they lost their focus. The re-start ended up in the hands of Ross who promptly got up a head of steam and he was off. He left his team mates in his wake and in a flash was down the right wing, a nice hand off left him in the clear with the try line looming fast. Alas, a Kirkby defender managed to fell the mighty Ridley into touch near to the 22 metre line. That’s where Penrith were to finish the game putting the opposition under pressure deep in their half.
Another captivating performance by the whole team against a very good side that had flare, presence, and pace. We again rose to the second half challenge, well done.